Time Travel with History

Step back in time to the eras of former U.S. presidents. With the neoclassical architecture of Monticello, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled to meet Thomas Jefferson himself. The Woodrow Wilson birthplace and library gives the illusion of touring a friend’s home. With the World War I trench exhibit, the Victorian-style gardens, and President Wilson’s restored Pierce-Arrow limousine, you may feel as though you’ve come to know Wilson personally. Other presidential areas include the homes of James Monroe and James Madison, and each one promises a small peek into the history of the area.

The Frontier Culture Museum is a time machine in and of itself. From the moment you arrive, you will feel not only as though you have set foot on foreign ground, but also that you have been taken back to years gone by. Observe the hard labor of our ancestors as they struggled through daily living in a new land. Step into the shoes of the citizens and immigrants of Africa, Germany, England, Ireland, and America in the 17th, 18th, and 19th century. History comes alive with experience.

If you’re interested in experiencing the history of the Elizabethan Era, take in a show at the only recreation of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Playhouse. Watching a Blackfriar production is partaking in the traditions of Elizabethan England. The lights remain on during the entire performance, adding an intimacy between audience and actor. Each show has only the basic props, costumes, and acoustic instruments, meaning that you are able to fully appreciate the enthrallment of the story. After all, without flashy special effects, the strength of the performances are rooted in Shakespearean tradition.